April 22, Ramadanman (otherwise known as Pearson Sound) performed at Public Assembly along with Zed Bias, Salva, DJG, DJ Shiftee and Enoe & Max Echo as part of the Surefire Sound showcase. Public Assembly was completely packed wall-to-wall full of eager party goers who, if they were anything like me, had been waiting for what seemed like a lifetime to see Ramadanman in New York City. And he did not disappoint, fulling living up to his reputation for virile, genre-stomping percussive sound. Through an invigorating blend of his own productions and crowd pleasing tracks such as Girl Unit’s “WUT” and Joy Orbison’s “Sicko Cell”, Ramadanman had the entire room dancing all the way through his set, even if that meant having to rub up against a few strangers due to lack of space.

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Creating our CMJ schedule has been no easy task. With over 1000 artists performing in NYC over the next four days, the official schedule of events is enough to make your head spin. Throw in the daily seminars and you’ve got your work cut out for you. Our top picks? The xx is performing at Mercury Lounge on Wednesday and is giving a free show at The Apple Store on Thursday. The Green Owl CMJ Showcase at Le Poisson Rouge on Wednesday also promises to be a great event, with performances by Theophilus London and The Very Best, among others. On Thursday, legendary DJs and hip-hop acts will unite at B.B. King’s to pay tribute to the late Grandmaster Roc Raida, with performances by X-Ecutioners, The Beat Junkies, DJ Craze, A-Trak, Z-Trip, and more. You can view all of the official events and create your own CMJ schedule by clicking here.

And it doesn’t stop there. In addition to the thousands of official events, we have our eyes on several unofficial events that are happening this week. Fool’s Gold Records will celebrate its two-year anniversary with events at 88 Palace on Wednesday and N8 on Thursday. Friday will keep us busy with three great events, all in Brooklyn. The Green Label Sound Bowl Party at the Brooklyn Bowl features live performances by Chromeo, Theophilus London, Amazing Baby and Solid Gold, with a DJ set by Holy Ghost. PopGun Booking is hosting their event at Glasslands, featuring a live performance by Francis and the Lights. The Trouble & Bass Crew rounds out the trifecta with an event at Cameo.

So there you have it. Are you ready for the week ahead? Check out some of the fliers for the unofficial events after the jump, and be sure to check in daily for our coverage of the CMJ Music Marathon.

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